Some Knives Are More Equal than Others

The kirpan, a ceremonial knife worn by initiated members of the Sikh Khalsa faith, has become the subject of discussion in Massachusetts following a religious accommodation adopted by the Hopkinton Public Schools and a murder committed recently in the United Kingdom using a kirpan. Although school policies generally prohibit bladed weapons, the district permits eligible Sikh students to carry a kirpan in accordance with their religious beliefs and the Sikh Code of Conduct.

For initiated Sikhs, the kirpan is one of the five articles of faith and symbolizes a commitment to justice, compassion, and the protection of the vulnerable. While often ornately crafted, kirpans are functional blades that commonly measure five inches or more in length.

Massachusetts has a relatively small Sikh population, estimated at approximately 2,400 residents—about 0.03 percent of the state's population. Most Sikh families reside in the Greater Boston region, with established clusters in communities including Millis, Milford, Medford, and Somerville.

One of the region's principal Sikh institutions is the Guru Ram Das Ashram and Gurdwara, located at 368 Village Street in Millis, near the Franklin and Medway town lines. The gurdwara serves Sikh families from across eastern Massachusetts and neighboring states, providing religious services, community gatherings, and educational programs.

Hopkinton's policy reflects the ongoing balance schools must strike between maintaining campus safety and accommodating sincerely held religious practices protected under federal and state law.

Hopkinton’s Policy (below) spells out the rules and also reserves the right to terminate the privilege. It also specifically requires the blade of the Kirpan to be dull and to be no longer than 3.0 inches in length.

The following are prohibited on school premises or at school-sponsored or school-related events, including athletic games:

1. Possessing a dangerous weapon, ammunition, or explosives, including but not limited to, a gun (such as pistol, revolver, rifle, shotgun, air gun or spring gun) slingshot, bludgeon, brass knuckles or artificial knuckles of any kind, or a knife or pocket knife;

2. Bringing to school or school-related events any replicas of weapons or toys that resemble weapons

Considerations for Recognized Religious Artifacts Resembling Weapons

• Sacred religious articles must be approved by the District according to Policy JICI before the start of each school year or before the student begins carrying the artifact. (See form)

• If a sacred religious article does not meet the District’s metrics (see form), the District, according to Policy JICI, will consider school safety when determining if exceptions can be made.

• The District reserves the right to suspend carrying a religious artifact during specific events.

Students who violate this policy are subject to (1) suspension or expulsion by the principal following appropriate due process, (2) referral to the police department and the Department of Social Services for further action, and (3) possible referral to the School Committee for an exclusionary hearing.

This policy and procedures consistent with this policy shall be printed in each school's handbook.

It does not appear that either Franklin or Medway, have as of yet been asked to create a similar policy. Inquiries with the respective school departments have not been answered.